Production

Question 1

Lean production

Answer 1

Approach used by management to cut down waste while ensuring quality and improving efficiency

Question 2

Kaizen

Answer 2

Continuous improvement by implementing small changes in a business in order to improve quality and efficiency

Question 3

Kaizen advantages

Answer 3

Less likely to require major capital investment
Improves motivation and teamwork
Helps a business remain competitive

Question 4

Kaizen disadvantages

Answer 4

Employees may be reluctant to to make suggestions on how to improve the production process as their jobs may be affected
The procedure of constant changes may stress out employees

Question 5

Cell production

Answer 5

A form of team working where production processes are split into cells. Each cell is responsible for a complete unit of work

Question 6

Cell production advantages

Answer 6

Improve communication
Workers can become multiskilled
Quality improvements
Employee motivation

Question 7

cell production disadvantages

Answer 7

Closeness of the cell members may lead to disagreements
Employees may not want the responsibility of a variety of work or working within a team leading to demotivation

Question 8

Just in time

Answer 8

Ordering stock last minute so it arrives as and when you need it

Question 9

Just in time advantages

Answer 9

Lower stock hold costs
Less working capital is lined up
Less likely to become obsolete/perish

Question 10

Just in time disadvantages

Answer 10

High reliance on suppliers
No spare finished product to meet unexpected orders
Can’t handle a rise in trend

Question 11

Ergonomics

Answer 11

Looks at the relationship between the employee and the capital equipment being used. An effective ergonomic design is one in which the minimum amount of time is wasted in using the machine or equipment

Question 12

Ergonomics advantages

Answer 12

Time based savings in using machines + equipment
Employees may feel more motivated as equipment is available on hand when it is needed

Question 13

Ergonomics disadvantages

Answer 13

Employer has to be willing to pay for the cost of ergonomic analysis and implementation
Customisation for each employee may come at a cost
Break down in equipment may come at a cost

Question 14

Total quality management (tqm)

Answer 14

Considers the efficient usage of all resources used with the production process. All employees are responsible for the well being of a business

Question 15

TQM adavantages

Answer 15

Employees may feel empowered increasing motivation
Improves quality of end product
Increases customer loyalty

Question 16

TQM disadvantages

Answer 16

Workers may feel resistant to change leading to demotivation

Question 17

Time based management

Answer 17

Seeks to reduce the level of wasted time in the production process of a business. Production needs to be flexible and staff need to be multiskilled and there needs to be trust between staff and management

Question 18

Time based management advantages

Answer 18

Quicker response time
Faster new product rate

Question 19

Time based management disadvantages

Answer 19

Employees may feel under pressure to complete products on time leading to stress and demotivation
Employees may be resistant to change
Workers may not be interested in becoming multiskilled

Question 20

Jidoka

Answer 20

The process for building into the production process an ability to detect and reject faulty goods and components at the earliest possible moment in the production of the goods